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Onondaga County, New York

Farm Programs & Local Resources

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

The county features rolling hills surrounding the Syracuse metropolitan area, with Onondaga Lake and Skaneateles Lake providing prominent water features. The terrain varies from fertile valley floors to steeper hillsides, with the Finger Lakes region beginning to the southwest.

Dairy operations dominate rural areas outside the Syracuse urban core, with farms concentrated in the rolling hills where pasture and forage crops thrive. Vegetable production serves local markets, while some farms diversify into agritourism and direct marketing.

Quick Facts
RegionCentral New York
Top CommoditiesDairy, Poultry, Corn, Cattle & calves, Fruit & tree nuts, Soybeans
Farms & Ranches~320 (approx.)
Agricultural Land~160,000 acres
Average Farm Size~287 acres

Find Your Local USDA Offices

Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS and FSA under one roof.

Find your Service Center:

→ USDA Service Center Locator

Search for "Onondaga County" to find your local NRCS and FSA offices.

What to do when you call: Ask for a conservation planner (EQIP/CSP) or loan officer (FSA). Mention your operation type and planned improvements.

Programs for Onondaga County Operations

Based on Onondaga County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:

Watershed protection programs target Skaneateles Lake which serves as Syracuse's water supply. Nutrient management and pasture management practices are prioritized near sensitive water bodies.

Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener — 2 minutes, personalized action packet.

Local Conservation Priorities

EQIP applications addressing local priorities score higher in ranking.

We don't have Onondaga County's specific LWG priorities yet.

Ask your local NRCS office: "What are the priority resource concerns in Onondaga County?"

Your Next Steps in Onondaga County

  1. Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
  2. Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
  3. Read the New York guide: New York Farm Programs Guide

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